Protein Brownies
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Published Feb 11, 2022, Updated Oct 23, 2023
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These healthy protein brownies are rich, fudgy and come together quickly in one bowl! They’re flourless, naturally sweetened and have 7 grams of protein per brownie. Gluten-free + dairy-free.
Healthy protein brownies?! Say no more, I’m sold.
Well really, you had me at just “brownie” but protein is a nice bonus! These brownies are super easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients you can actually feel good about! I won’t tell if you sneak one of these brownies for breakfast…
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe can be made in one bowl and one pan! Yay for minimal clean-up.
- These brownies don’t have any flour, so they’re gluten-free + grain-free.
- The added protein helps to curb the blood sugar spike you typically get when eating sweets like brownies.
- Sure, these brownies are loaded with healthy ingredients but no one will even know! They are still so rich and fudgy.
Why is Protein Important?
Huge question here! If you’re wondering why I care about protein or why I’m sharing a recipe for brownies with protein, here’s your answer! Protein is one of the three macronutrients that are necessary for our body’s functions (along with fat and carbohydrates). If you think protein is only necessary for professional athletes or bodybuilders, think again!
Protein is quite the powerhouse. It helps build your bones, muscles, tissues and organs and also keeps those things functioning properly. On a less science-y note, protein helps you feel full and satisfied, helps with cravings and helps maintain your weight.
I love adding protein to meals and snacks that would otherwise leave me feeling unsatisfied and hungry a couple of hours later… things that are typically carb-heavy like brownies, pancakes, cookies and oatmeal.
I have recipes for protein oatmeal, protein pancakes and protein cookies, in case you want to check those out as well.
Ingredients Needed
- almond butter – check the ingredient label to make sure the only ingredient is almonds (or almonds and salt). I used Wild Friends almond butter, but I also like the natural store brands from Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Feel free to swap the almond butter for any nut butter or seed butter. Just make sure you’re using drippy nut butter!
- eggs – I have not tried swapping the eggs for flax eggs, but I bet it would work. The brownies just might not rise as much. Let me know if you try a vegan version in the comments below.
- pure maple syrup – one of my favorite natural sweeteners. Just be sure to use pure maple syrup, not the artificial kind labeled “pancake syrup” and made from corn syrup… NOT the same!
- unsweetened almond milk – I used unsweetened almond milk, but any non-dairy milk will work.
- vanilla extract – a flavor enhancer.
- chocolate protein powder – any chocolate protein powder works. Nuzest is one of my favorite brands. It’s plant-based and has a minimal, clean ingredient list. Plus, the chocolate flavor is delish. You can use my code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.
- cocoa powder – add that delicious chocolatey goodness with cocoa powder! Make sure you’re using unsweetened cocoa powder. Cacao powder works as well.
- sea salt – if the almond butter has salt in it, you can skip this!
- baking powder – to help the brownies rise.
- chocolate chips – I recommend Enjoy Life dark chocolate chips which is allergen-friendly or Lily’s chocolate chips because they are low in sugar and calories. If you prefer a different mix-in, nuts (like pecans or walnuts) would be a delicious addition!
How to Make Protein Brownies
Making protein brownies is really similar to making regular brownies and incredibly easy.
In a large mixing bowl, start by whisking together the wet ingredients – almond butter, eggs, maple syrup, almond milk and vanilla extract. Add in the dry ingredients – the protein powder, cocoa powder, sea salt and baking powder and mix until combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. Pour the brownie mixture into the pan and top with additional chocolate chips. Bake at 350ºF for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting and serving. Trust me… they taste better cool! I actually burnt my mouth trying to get an early taste.
FAQ’s
Yes! These brownies are made with minimal, good-for-you ingredients and have no refined sugar or artificial preservatives. With 7 grams of protein each, they can help balance your blood sugar and leave you feeling satisfied instead of hungry for more.
These protein brownies are healthy enough to eat every day! Of course, I recommend switching up your snacks and treats to add a variety of nutrients into your diet, but I don’t see any issue eating a protein brownie once a day.
Definitely! Adding protein powder to your baked goods is a great way to make certain baked goods more filling and add more protein to your diet. I bake with protein powder all the time and have so many protein recipes here on EBF.
Yup!! I used my favorite Nuzest protein powder. I love their protein because there is no chalky taste and the ingredient list is minimal. You really can’t taste the protein powder in these brownies at all!
This recipe makes 16 brownies and each brownie has 7 grams of protein each. This will likely vary depending on the protein powder you use.
I have not tested these brownies with an egg substitute, but I bet replacing the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs would work just fine. If you decide to experiment let me know in the comments below!
There are a few reasons why your brownies might have turned out dry. First, they could have baked too long. Check them at the 25 minute mark with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean. If not, let them bake for a few more minutes. The other reason why your brownies might be dry is because of the nut butter or protein powder you used. Some protein powders do soak up more liquid, which could cause them to dry out faster. Also, you want to make sure you’re using drippy nut butter, not dry hard nut butter. If you notice your batter is on the drier side, add a splash more milk!
How to Serve Protein Brownies
I love eating these brownies plain straight from the fridge, but if you want to get fancy here are some topping ideas:
- Nut butter – you can’t go wrong with a drizzle of nut butter to top these brownies! I recommend almond butter.
- Coconut whip – these brownies would be delicious with a dollop of coconut whip cream on top!
- Ice cream – brownies + ice cream = a match made in heaven. These brownies would be delicious warmed in the microwave and served with my banana ice cream, chocolate banana ice cream or avocado ice cream. If you really want to amp up the protein of your dessert serve your brownie with my protein ice cream!
- Caramel sauce – I’m drooling just thinking about how delicious my date caramel sauce would be drizzled over one of these protein brownies.
- Yogurt – want to eat a brownie for breakfast? Crumble it on top of some Greek yogurt (or any yogurt of choice) with some granola (this hemp granola is delicious) and fresh berries. Like a breakfast brownie sundae… so yummy!
- Fruit – serve these brownies with some fresh berries. They add pop of color and such good flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, I recommend freezing. Store in a freezer-safe, airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Brownie Recipes to Try
- Sweet Potato Brownies
- Black Bean Brownies
- Pecan Pie Brownies
- 5-Ingredient No Bake Brownies
- Peanut Butter Hummus Brownies
- Oat Flour Brownies
- Zucchini Brownies
- Pumpkin Brownies
- Chickpea Brownies
More Protein Recipes to Try
- Protein Donuts
- Protein Muffins
- Green Protein Smoothie
- Protein Waffles
- No Bake Protein Balls – 4 Ways
- Protein Ice Cream
- How to Make a Protein Shake (6 Flavors)
- Protein Bars
- Protein Pudding (3 Ways)
- Protein Chia Pudding
- Protein Banana Bread
Be sure to check out all of my protein recipes and the full collection of healthy dessert recipes here on EBF!
Healthy Protein Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy almond butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate protein powder, I used Nuzest
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, skip if almond butter is salted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond butter, eggs, maple syrup, almond milk and vanilla extract.
- Add protein powder, cocoa powder, sea salt and baking powder into the mixing bowl and stir until combined. If you notice your batter is on the drier side (which could happen depending on what almond butter or protein powder you use), add a splash more milk!
- Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until brownies are set in the center and a toothpick comes out clean. Let brownies cool completely (trust me, they test better cool, plus you won’t burn your mouth). Cut into squares and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The flavor of the brownies was good, but they came out too try. I followed directions and kept them in the over for 25 minutes. If I make them again, I will try shorter time in the oven.
Oh no! Sorry to hear they came out dry for you, Jordana. Did you change anything about the recipe?
excellent post thank you for sharing
Looks amazing! Do you have any recommendations for what I could swap the protein powder for? Would almond flour work?
Hi, Michelle. I haven’t tried making these without protein powder, but swapping for almond flour might be your best bet. You could also try one of my other brownie recipes, like these fudgy black bean brownies.
Making these right now and already been in the oven for 30 minutes and still oooey goooey inside (toothpick isn’t coming out clean)!! Added another 5 minutes and hoping that works and doesn’t dry them out too much (fingers crossed)!
Oh no! Let me know how they turn out after adding 5 minutes to the cook time.
Flavor is good but they are a bit dry. In the oven for the 25 minutes. Didn’t change the recipe except that my almond butter was the nut and seed butter from Cosco. But it is a very creamy almond butter. Topping with whipped cream and that solves the issue!
Mine came out really dry and I followed the recipe. Personally, I would like them sweeter, but I also have a really bad sweet tooth. Would adding more liquid help?
Hmm, sorry to hear that, Sarah! Did you change anything about the recipe?
Made the healthy protein brownies. They were outstanding. Love the flavor! Can’t wait to make them again. Thank you for the awesome recipe.
Woo! Glad to hear these were a hit, Chris. I appreciate you coming back to leave a review and star rating!
Best protein brownies ever. Even my husband liked them.
Woo! Glad to hear that, Lorraine! I appreciate you coming back to leave a review.
Sounds delicious! What can I sub for eggs to make vegan?
Hi, Barbara! I have not tried swapping the eggs for flax eggs, but I bet it would work. The brownies just might not rise as much. Let me know if you try it and how they turn out.
Omg so delicious!!! I already had all my ingredients mixed up and then I realized I didn’t have any baking powder. So I mixed in 1/4 tps baking soda and 1/2 cup of buttermilk and these browines are so gooey and delicious. 10/10
Yay! So glad these brownies are a hit, Liz. Thanks for sharing the quick fix you used, I’m glad they turned out!
I used this recipe as a guide really. I melted a cup of chocolate chips with a half stick of butter.
Added in a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
I added in two scoops of chocolate protein powder, added walnuts, a 1/4 oil, and 1/4 flour. Batter tasted good 👍 can’t wait to try these!
Great way to make this recipe your own, Theresa! How did they turn out?
These came out great! I have a tree nut allergy, so I used pumpkin seed butter. I also used Quest chocolate protein powder. To make them less carbs, I used a combination to Swerve and monk fruit, and increased the milk (I used oat milk). All of my substitutions still yielded yummy results!!
Yay! So glad it worked for you, Lisa. Thank you for leaving a comment and review! I appreciate it!
My family loved these brownies! They were so moist and delicious! We will be making these again!
Yay! So happy to hear that, Arlynda. Thank you for your comment and review as well!
These were awesome! We couldn’t stop eating them!
Ahhh that’s great to hear, Janet! Thank you for leaving me a comment and review, I appreciate it!
Great tip on when usin protein powder it will soak up any liquid way more. As when I mix fold in dry mix to wet it can get dough like quite fast. Could I add mct oil instead of milk, already use stick of pure butter. And what’s ur view on xantham gum and konjac powder in brownie recipes. I see some use them others neither.?
Hey Rob, I’m not sure as I haven’t tested it! The MCT oil could make the brownies too oily with the nut butter, but let me know how it turns out if you try it. I’ve also never baked with xantham gum or konjac powder so I’m not sure if they would change the consistency or taste of these brownies. Let me know if you end up adding either of these and how the brownies turn out!
hello! I saw your question about xanthan gum. I cook a lot with it. It’s very helpful if you want your baked goods to hold together specially if there aren’t enough biding agents like eggs, flour or cornstarch. anyway, my advice is to use 1g to 2gr, never more than that and if possible try to blend it with the liquids and with a blender, if you don’t want, just whisk it very well it a fork or frother (those for lattes and milk ). Don’t think it’s worth using more because it’s very powerful, half teaspoon it’s enough! Use it in cakes, bars, cookies, brownies, custards, ice cream or anything. Good luck with your baking!
My family loves these! My 11-year old specifically requests these brownies over my traditional recipe!
Ahh! I am so happy that you and your family enjoy this recipe, Janie. Thank you for your review + star rating, I so appreciate you being here!
Can I make these with sugar-free monk fruit Lakanto maple-flavored syrup?
Hey Amy – I think that would work just fine! Let me know how these brownies turn out if you end up making them.
Hi Brittany, do you think I could substitute the maple syrup with honey?
Hey Josephine – Honey should work just fine as a substitute for the maple syrup. Let me know if you end up trying these brownies and what you think of them!
Another winning recipe! I made these w some changes to make them even healthier and used less almond butter but instead added powdered almond butter, added more almond milk and half a banana to give more moisture. Fantastic and so fluffy!
YUM! I am happy to hear that this recipe is a hit, Berangere! Your substitutions sound like they worked great. Thank you for your review + star rating, I so appreciate it!
These were amazing! I used honey instead of maple syrup. I love the texture! Also, because they have protein in them, I got full and was satisfied having 2 small pieces and didn’t feel like I wanted to eat the whole batch like with regular brownies 😂 This is now my go to brownie recipe when I can’t get chocolate off my mind!
Excellent! I am excited to hear that these brownies are such a hit, Kristina. Love that you can enjoy brownies without all the guilt. Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, I so appreciate it!
These are so delicious! I made mine with Vital Protein Chocolate Protein Powder, and I used Lily’s Chocolate Chips. I only baked it for 20 minutes and that was just the amount of time they needed! They were so smooth and chocolaty, (and i didnt feel guilty eating them lol) and they had the perfect almond butter/chocolate ratio. 10/10, would make again! 🙂
Woo!! So glad you loved these protein brownies, Emma. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
These were surprisingly good. I can’t believe they have the same consistency as regular brownies and gluten free! This will definitely be a repeat in our household. (We used creamy peanut butter as that is what I had on hand but everything came together well). This is a must try!
Woo!! This makes me so happy to hear. I’m so glad you enjoyed these brownies, Melanie. Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
Okay seriously. These brownies are so freaking good! I still don’t quite understand how they have the consistency of a regular brownie but there’s no flour! I made them once exactly as the recipe states and needed the full 30 minutes as they were not done in the center at 25 minutes. I made them a second time and increased the protein amount to 2/3 cup and added 1/2 cup walnuts. So delicious!!
Woo! I’m so glad you enjoyed these protein brownies Katherine! And that’s great to know that the second batch with the additional protein turned out too.
Can these be frozen?!
Hi Stacy – Yes, you can store these in a freezer-safe, airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy!
As an european, could you translate the cups in grams?
Hi Nicole – I would recommend using an online converter. You can try using the King Arthur’s site, I hear that one works well. Let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!
Such a great recipe! I’ve made this recipe 3 times this week and it won’t be the last. I’m working on adding more protein in my meals and a good tasting brownie. This was approved by most of my non “healthy” family that thinks anything homemade is overrated. Even they were impressed. I added more chocolate chips to make more goey but this recipe is awesome! I’ll be tweaking it to make it more moist and fudgey but this was the recipe I was looking for to start!
Ah this is the best! I am so excited to hear that you are loving these brownies. Thank you so much for coming back and sharing your review + star rating, it means so much to me!
I would love to know how you’re getting “10 grams” of fat per brownie. Assuming you’re dividing this into 9 separate brownies the math I come back with is over 20 grams per brownie.
Hi Bryan – You will actually cut these into 12 squares and that will equal out the the 10 grams of fat per brownie. Enjoy!
Hi,
The recipe looks amazing but I only have unflavoured protein powder. How can I substitute?
Hi Rivki – That shouldn’t be a problem, they might just not be as chocolatey. You could add a little more cocoa powder if you’d like. Let me know how these turn out, enjoy!
My husband is living with diabetes and taking wonderful care of himself. I came looking for a magic recipe that he could enjoy for his birthday –more than just a bite at a time. This was the one! It was delicious. We’ll make it again and again!
Aw I am SO glad that your husband was able to enjoy this recipe for his birthday! Thank you for coming back and sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
I’m always skeptical of my own cooking/baking skills but your recipes turn out spot on every time which gives me so much confidence to try new recipes! These days when I’m craving something fun like a brownie I’m like… let me see if she has a healthier version versus going to the store. This recipe in particular was just like a regular brownie to me, taste and texture wise! They left me feeling fuller faster and more satisfied versus normal brownies. I even chopped it up with a banana and a tiny bit of whipped cream for breakfast- delicious!
Aw yay! This means so much to me, glad you are loving this recipe, Emily. Thank you so much for sharing your review + star rating, it means so much to me!
My husband has a medical condition that requires him to consume more protein. These are perfect and delicious. I add chopped walnuts for extra protein and fiber. I wrap individual servings in wax paper and store in a container in the freezer. A sweet treat with an added bonus.
Aw I am so glad you found this recipe and are both enjoying these brownies, Susan. Thank you so much for sharing your review & star rating, I truly appreciate it!
Do you think these can be made with a pea protein powder, or will only whey powder work? I’m gluten free as well as dairy free.
Hi Laurie – Pea protein will work! I use Nuzest for all my protein recipes and they come out great. Hope you enjoy this recipe!
Delicious! I used ritual vanilla protein powder the first batch and flax egg that time. I baked them at 375 for 15 minutes and realized it said 350 so I turned it down and this time I used Orgain unflavored collagen and 2 bananas instead of eggs. I also used coconut sugar and date paste to cut down on the sugar because the first were super sweet! I also replaced milk with coffee, because I didn’t have milk and omg the second batch I enjoyed and thought, how silly! the truth is this only bakes 8 Delicious brownies! and they are filling!
WOO! This sounds absolutely delicious, Kasey. I am so glad this recipe turned out great with your subs and you are loving them. Thank you for coming back and sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
Looks great! 👏👏
Hope you enjoy these brownies, Julianne!
Mine turned out really dry 😭
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that. Did you change anything about the recipe?
can peanut butter and normal milk be used?
Absolutely! Hope you love these brownies!
…never thought i’d prefer a cold brownie over a warm one, but these are SO good right out of the fridge. tastes like a fiber one brownie but better when cold.
RIGHT!! These are absolutely delicious right out of the fridge, glad you agree and are loving this recipe, Taylor. Thank you so much for sharing your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!
Mine also came out extremely dry. Which is okay, I know that whey protein in recipes causes that. The flavor is fantastic though!
Hi KC – Glad you’re enjoying these, I would recommend maybe increasing the liquid a bit or shortening the bake time if you don’t want them as dry. Thank you for your review, I appreciate it!
Worst recipe ever. I followed every instruction to the gram and it was dryer than ghandi’s feet!
Oh no, Rachel! Did you change anything about the recipe? And what protein powder did you use?
No it was all the same and I used my protein chocolate whey powder 🙁
Whey protein powder tends to absorb more liquid making recipes a bit dryer. I would recommend adding more milk to your batter before baking.
We love these! I used less almond butter and Orgain chocolate protein powder (their lower carb one) and they were delicious!!
Ah this is so great to hear, Meera. I am glad you have these a try and they turned out amazing for you. Thank you for your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
Would so appreciate gluten free and egg free options being given for recipes:)
Hi Sharon – Above I mention substitutions (as I do in all of my recipes). For this recipe, which is already gluten-free, I have not tried swapping the eggs for flax eggs, but I bet it would work. The brownies just might not rise as much. Let me know if you try a vegan version. Enjoy!
The absolute BEST brownie recipe -EVER! These have become a staple within my household. My 9 year old son absolutely loves having one as an after-lunch snack, either at home or packed in with his school lunch. I typically sub in raw honey instead of maple syrup. I have used chocolate, vanilla and peanut butter protein powders in this recipe, as well as subbing in peanut butter in place of almond butter.
I’m thinking of taking my NutraBio strawberry shortcake protein powder and trying to take these in more of a “blondie” direction. I am going to attempt to use cashew butter, and either almond or coconut flour in place of the cocoa powder. We will see what happens – wish me luck! ha ha
AMAZING! I am so glad you are loving these brownies and they turn out amazing for you! I can’t wait to hear how the blondie version turns out, make sure you update us!! Thanks for sharing your review + star rating, I truly appreciate it!
Do you have any recommendations for chocolate protein powder to use with this recipe?
Hi Shelby – Any chocolate protein powder works. Nuzest is one of my favorite brands. It’s plant-based and has a minimal, clean ingredient list. Plus, the chocolate flavor is delish. You can use my code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.
These brownies are simply amazing. I love them and I’ve already been sharing this with my chocolate-loving friends and family. Thank you for this!!!
YESS! These are the best, glad you are loving them, Carolyn. Thanks for your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
can you taste the almond butter in them? I really dislike the flavor of almond butter. I wonder if you could sub cashew butter and if the taste would be milder?
You can use any nut or seed butter that you prefer for this recipe. Enjoy!
Love them! I have been making them regularly for an year. To be honest, I always use fruit jam instead of maple syrup and, yes, there is sugar, but they taste great.
WOO! Love this so much, I am so glad these turned out great for you are they are a hit, Aura. Thank you so much for sharing your review + star rating, I truly appreciate it!
My first batch was very dry, as some have commented. I think in addition to over-baking, I may have been using the dry dredges of the almond butter jar. For the second batch, I had runnier almond butter and added a little extra liquid to the batter and took them out of the oven at the 25 minute mark. Much better–definitely will make again! I substituted water for the almond milk and seemed to work fine.
YAY! I am so glad the second batch turned out great for you, Melissa. Thank you so much for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!